Axle ratio - This will be on a tag on the inside of the drivers door along with the vin under a box marked AX. It will give a code and I can get a translation. Or easier (for me anyway) the ratio will be on a metal tag bolted to the axle housing.
And did the truck come with factory air?
With the above data I an give you what the truck was rated to pull in 1974. There are other factors that can have some effect on the rating such as; condition of the drivetrain and any modifications to the truck. A 1974 fullsize truck can be a stout puller. It is a 100 however, Ford (and most manufactures) overbuilt vehicles back then.
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1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.7L, AOD, 3.73 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
What I meant by "It's a 100" is that it is a 1/2 ton pick up. The lowest rated in the line up vs: 200 (3/4) or 300 (1 ton). My guess right from the hip is it will tow 4000 #'s. I do have the tow limits that Ford published for 1974. However it is in storage. I will get it out and email it back out.
Also note (as previously mentioned) Ford and most maunfactures had a lot more margin built in the trucks that they manufactured back then. What I mean is that the trucks are built different now. Now the frame is differenat for every model. Back then most suspension components were developed for the most extreme use. Then smaller models of the same truck had smaller engines and trans. So the small truck could take some of the use of a larger rated truck, because some of the components were the same.
Long story short what ever rating that I find your truck most likely it was designed to tow more. That is assuming your truck is in excellant mechanical condition!
Other comments: a manual trans is not the best trans to tow a load. There is no way to cool it like an automatic and to multiply torque one needs to slip the clutch. Not the best for a stick. And clutches were much bigger back then. Not having A/C means you have a smaller radiator. Again something (coolant temps) to watch if you are at the limits of towing.
I will look it up.
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__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.7L, AOD, 3.73 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
I was not able to find my 1974 data in my storage unit. I have it cause I used to have a 1974 Ford. I will have to dig a little deeper. I did find specs on 1976 and 1978 and I am listing those below. I am now very interested in the data for 1974 vs these years. 1974 was the first year for emmissions for light trucks, and 1976 the standards got more intense.
Based on what I have so far.
Ford F 100 4X2 regular cab either wheel base (there are 2)
and given the trans - the towing limit is 2000#'s
Requires tongue load not to exceed 200#'s
I will find my 1974 and see the differences.
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__________________
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4 DR Breezeway 410 4V, C-6, 2.80 - towing a - 1966 Overlander International Twin Bed
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII Diamond Anniversary 4.6L (275hp), 4R70W - 1990 Ford E 150 5.7L, AOD, 3.73 ____________________________________
Phoenix ~ Yeah it's hot however it's a dry heat!
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